Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

Now the same Roots of Offence are in the Hearts of Men against the Gospel. Such a Cloud arises from the Steam of carnal Lusts darkening the Understanding, that it cannot discover Truths so high as the mysterious Doctrines of Christ. Love in the Heart is requisite as well as Light in the Mind, to know spiritual things: Obedience to the Will of God is the best Preparative to believe his Word. Our Saviour justly taxed the Pharisees, they did not repent, that they might believe. Men are averse from receiving those Doctrines that condemn their Lusts; and are Infidels that they may be freely wicked, that the Shadow of Repentance may not disturb them. ⟨p. 231⟩'Tis said of Atheistical Scorners, they are willingly ignorant: The corrupt ¹Will rules imperiously, and turns the Thoughts from those Arguments, which if duly considered, Reason with a strong hand would constrain them to acknowledge there is a righteous God who has Authority to command, and Power to punish those who rebel against his Laws.

Now the same Roots of Offence are in the Hearts of Men against the Gospel. Such a Cloud arises from the Steam of carnal Lusts darkning the Understanding, that it cannot discover Truths so high as the mysterious Doctrines of Christ. Love in the Heart is requisite as well as Light in the Mind, to know spiritual things: Obedience to the Will of God is the best Preparative to believe his Word. Our Saviour justly tax'd the Pharisees, they did not repent, that they might believe. Men are averse from receiving those Doctrines that condemn their Lusts; and are Infidels that they may be freely wicked, that the Shadow of Repentance may not disturb them. ⟨p. 231⟩'Tis said of Atheistical Scorners, they are willingly ignorant: The corrupt ¹Will rules imperiously, and turns the Thoughts from those Arguments, which if duly considered, Reason with a strong hand would constrain them to acknowledg there is a righteous God who has Authority to command, and Power to punish those who rebel against his Laws.

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